How to Get on an Inmate's Approved Visiting List (for families of people at Sabine Parish Detention)

Here's the key thing: the incarcerated person adds visitors to their list. You can't sign yourself up at the front desk. Your loved one has to request that you be added, and you'll want to wait for approval before making the trip. Louisiana allows authorized visits but gives facilities flexibility to apply restrictions based on safety, security, and practical limits. That means approval can involve background checks and paperwork - especially if you have a criminal history - even though visitation is generally permitted once you're authorized.

Ask the person in custody to add you to their approved visiting list. The request has to come from them, not you. Show up before you're approved and you'll likely be turned away - even if you've visited them at other facilities before. To help things go smoothly, give your loved one clear, accurate information so they can submit everything correctly the first time.

• ✓ Your full legal name (match your ID)
• ✓ Date of birth
• ✓ Current address and a reliable phone number (if requested)
• ✓ Your relationship to the incarcerated person
• ✓ Any name differences you’ve used before (maiden name, hyphenated name), if that could affect a records check

Not sure if you're already on the list? Ask the incarcerated person directly. Since you need to be on the approved list to get in, it's worth confirming before you take off work, arrange childcare, or drive a long distance.

Once your loved one submits your name, the facility may run eligibility checks. Under Louisiana DOC policy, a prior criminal conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you from visiting. That said, the policy does allow restrictions tied to safety, security, and the facility's ability to supervise visits. If you have a record, don't assume you're automatically barred. But expect your application to get a closer look than someone with no history.

Extra scrutiny is common if you're an ex-offender, on parole, or on probation. This status doesn't automatically disqualify you under Louisiana DOC policy, but approvals often involve supervisory verification. You may need to show that your supervising officer knows about and supports the visit. In some cases, approval can be denied - or later revoked - based on your supervision status and related conditions.

Approval or denial is usually communicated to the incarcerated person, since they're the one who added you to the list. That means you probably won't get a direct call or letter - your loved one will hear the result first and pass it along. If you're waiting, stay in touch. Ask them to confirm whether your name has been added and approved.

1. Confirm the request was submitted - ask the incarcerated person when they added you and whether anything was kicked back for corrections.
2. Get clarity on your exact details - make sure the name and date of birth they provided match your government ID.
3. Check before you travel - because you must be on the approved visiting list to visit, don’t assume you’re cleared until your loved one confirms approval.

A delay doesn't always mean denial. Sometimes the facility is just verifying information, which takes longer when a visitor has a criminal history or is under supervision. Under Louisiana DOC policy, a prior conviction alone isn't an automatic disqualifier. Neither is being on parole or probation - though these situations can come with extra verification requirements that may lead to denial. If you're denied, ask for the reason in writing. Talk with the incarcerated person about whether there's a review process or a supervisor who can take another look. Facilities can restrict visitation for legitimate safety and security reasons, but there should be a real basis for the restriction - not just confusion about your identity or status.

• ✓ Ask for the denial reason in writing (or the specific issue causing the delay)
• ✓ If you’re on parole/probation, ask whether a supervising-officer approval/verification letter is required
• ✓ Double-check that your legal name and date of birth were entered correctly
• ✓ Have the incarcerated person request review by the appropriate supervisor if a review option exists

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Give your loved one your full legal name and date of birth exactly as shown on your ID
• ✓ Share your current contact information so staff can verify details if needed
• ✓ Ask the incarcerated person to confirm you were added to the approved visiting list (and whether you’re approved yet)
• ✓ Don’t make the trip until approval is confirmed, since you must be on the list to visit

Even with statewide guidance, day-to-day procedures vary by location. Louisiana DOC policy permits authorized visitation while allowing reasonable restrictions, and local rules affect how the approved list process actually works. Before heading to Sabine Parish Detention, confirm the facility's current visiting procedures with the incarcerated person. Follow any local instructions they're given for adding visitors. The bottom line doesn't change: if you're not on the approved visiting list, don't expect to be admitted.